Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I add my voice to the earlier comments in praise of the OPW. The office is a silent winner, quietly and methodically going about its work. It has a huge impact on citizens' daily lives but does not get the recognition it deserves. I take the opportunity to thank the Minister of State and his staff and wish them well for the future.

I have two questions. The Minister of State may have already answered the first of them in so far as a report may be forthcoming. However, will he indicate the number of empty buildings that are either owned by the OPW or being leased or rented by it? What is the cost relating to these buildings and what are the plans to sell those in the ownership of the OPW, repurpose or transfer them to various Departments or State agencies for their use?

My second question relates to subhead B.11 and the additional €348,000 derived from revenues from heritage sites last year which is to be spent this year. That money is extremely welcome. I wish to be parochial. The Minister of State referred to investing in order to increase activity and improve business opportunities. I ask him to give specific consideration to the Hill of Tara in this regard. The interpretative and visitor centre at the site is closed for more months each year than it is open, which is a terrible shame. Some 800 people visited the site on New Year's Eve, a day on which it is supposed to be closed. There was nobody present to talk to these individuals and the church and interpretative and visitor centre were closed. As a result, they could not watch the video that is usually shown at the church, which is a crying shame. It would cost very little to open the site more often. The facilities are already in place and all that would be necessary is an investment in staff. In the context of one of the largest and most cherished heritage sites in the country, will the Minister of State consider extending the period for which the interpretative and visitor centre opens during the year?